This place is very lovely with a lot of nice things for kids. Only issue with this place, is that…read moreit's way too pricey. You can find a lot of the same things in othwrblocari9ne for way less then what they have it for. It's a good place to look around, but budget wise, it's not.

Brick and mortar toy stores are increasingly struggling to keep their doors open, so it's a relief…read moreto find a really good toy store in an easily accessible area. They have a really great message and seem to be conscious of being inclusive. They have books from different cultures (I found a really good one about Ganesh, an important Hindu God), a Black Lives Matter sign in the window, and the customer service is top notch. I arrived a few minutes before opening and was willing to wait, but the woman working inside saw me and immediately unlocked the door. She was very friendly not just with me but with the kids in the store. It's such a warm, bright and friendly environment. You can find so many things here including toys, books, large items like ice cream making stands and rocking horses, costumes, legos, puzzles, art and other creation making kits, stuffed animals. It's nicely set up, bright and welcoming. The prices are also reasonable. They provide wrapping and choice of ribbon color as well. They continually change what they have in stock and stay relevant with the seasons and holidays. So if you're looking for a gift for your child or someone else's, I highly recommend supporting this business.

I've been a collector for years and if I could give them more stars I absolutely would. This was my…read morefirst purchase from them and shopped online. I placed an order last week (12/9) and reached out asking about the status of my order on (12/13) after not seeing any changes to my shipments status online. Not only did they reply within an hour, they also sent me 2 other follow up emails the same day to make sure I was getting the correct information on my shipment. Without a doubt, 10/10 on communication. The item I purchased was also in immaculate condition, even the box was flawless after shipping across the country. The price for my item was also below what competitors were charging for the specific piece. This is proof to me they care about their business and customers. These people are incredible. I will absolutely be a returning customer. Thanks again!

Unless you're apparently a local and/or just flat out lucky, taking time out of your life to come…read morehere isn't worth it at all. Full disclosure - I never made it inside the store. I wanted to come here and probably buy some stuff. I really did. But this place apparently likes to open when they feel like it. I live about 90 minutes away from this place and on two different occasions, I was to be in the area as it was. Twice I made it a point to come here during advertised business hours and TWICE this place was closed during those same advertised business hours. Thankfully I was already in the area doing other things anyway, but what terrible business practices and what a waste of time to try to come here. Unsure of the reasons they were closed during their business hours either time - whether it was because the owner didn't want to work, couldn't get out of bed, decided to be lazy, has absolutely zero business acumen, or whatnot. Who knows. On their website, social media, Google, and on their own answering machine when I've called, they claim the same hours/days - yet, they fail to be open during those select times. I'm fair and if something were to have come up - twice - where they couldn't open or didn't want to for whatever reason, I'm understanding. But to not even update their own answering machine or anywhere else is unacceptable. Perhaps I'm unlucky and both times I was there, they decided they didn't want to open on those days and during their advertised business hours - or perhaps they're just poor at running a business. I've never had this issue with any other business before (whether they're similar or not), so the fault has to lie with the owner. It's a shame too, because from what I've seen it looks like a nice place. The owner seems like a nice guy. It was a place I was looking forward to trying out. But they aren't remotely the only place around that sells the same type of stuff and I'm very lucky in my travels/searches to find other similar stores that know how to run a business. And those places (or any other like it that I find) will continue to get my business, whereas this place will not. Ever. I know I'm in the minority as they seem to have a lot of fans - good for those people. I don't wish ill will despite their poor business practices. I really hate having to write a negative review, but coming here twice in good faith only for the store to be closed with absolutely zero signage or indication as to why or that they would even be closed in the first place during advertised business hours is completely unacceptable for me. It would be unacceptable for just about any other type of business, but somehow this place has just lucked out. I can only suggest if you're local, you can try your luck. If you're coming from far away, then I'd make sure you have alternate or other plans because this place is completely unreliable to be open during the times they claim they are. If I came all the way here solely for this place, I'd have been livid. As of now, it's just an annoying inconvenience and I'm thankful I had other places to go. I'll just continue to give business to similar stores that actually know how to run a business and know how to open during their advertised times. I tried this place twice in good faith - there will never be a third attempt.

Learning Express is smart. Why you may ask?* Learning Express is a toy store with an educational…read morename. It's kind of like calling a donut shop Energy Express. It's true the donuts will give you energy, but it's not exactly the goal of the store. I'm not sure how much actual learning goes on inside of Learning Express, but their well curated toy, game and accessory collection is certainly worth a perusal. Their toys are definitely geared more toward artistic and creative endeavors, but it's not like there are no stuffed animals. That's why Learning Express is smart. Every time I get a birthday present here for my kids' friends, I feel like I am bestowing knowledge on them (even if Shrinky Dinks don't carry any actual educational enhancement value). It just looks better when you bring a present from Learning Express instead of Toys R Us since they can't even spell and have a letter backwards. The store is small, but full of entertaining items for kids up to around 10 years old. The staff there is extremely friendly and gift wrapping is always an easy task for them. There is more than ample parking in the disintegrated IHOP parking lot and I would hazard to guarantee that you could take your kid in here at any time and they would not leave disappointed.** _______________________ * Even if you don't because you were hoping for a review of an average restaurant in Montclair, I will still answer this for you. ** You might leave disappointed though because your kid will give you the puppy dog eyes on like ten things and your wallet will be lighter every time you go.*** *** Sorry, that was me.

I am not one to usually give reviews but after going to this learning express compare to others i…read morehave gone too i felt i should. This store is full of learning materials for children and toys that bring joy, fun and laughter. The older person who works there or the owner which ever she may be has no personality for this store. She has a miserable personality and she should stay in the back. She reminds me of the Grinch! Sorry but won't be going back there to spend my money again!!!

East Side Mags 491 Bloomfield Ave Suite 102…read moreMontclair, NJ 07042 This locally owned comic book stores has a variety of comic books ranging in price from highly valuable to a single dollar. They also sell a variety of action figures, cards, children's books and other memorabilia. If you are a fan of Dungeons & Dragons, this is the perfect spot for you. Owner Jeff hosts D&D parties at the back of the store. Although I currently am not in the market for any comic books, it was still a neat experience exploring this store. It is a must visit for anybody who is a hard core comic book collector in search of a particular issue. #eastsidemags #montclairnj #comicbooks

If comics are your thing, then here is your spot. The employees are super nice. They greet everyone…read morewho comes through the door. They hold DnD games in the back of the store, and they are so much fun. I highly recommend.

I have been meaning to stop in for years but never did until now. I wish I had stopped in years…read moreago they have a great selection of books and figures. My primary interest is reprints, I'm not to crazy about the current direction of the stories these days. I heard about a new run of Thor so I made it my business to stop in. The staff was friendly that is a definite plus. They are located between Newark broad Street train station and Rutgers University on University Ave. If you're not going there by mass transit Saturday is the best day to go for street parking. Stop by and check them out!

This is definitely one of the coolest comic bookstores I have ever been in. A HUGE selection of…read morecomics and action figures. It was clean, friendly, and very well organized. The atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly, which is always something I, as a woman, am always concerned about it these sort of places.

Kaboom! Pow! Bang!…read more Thank you Paradox comics for always being there when we need you! Holy Miracles Batman! The awesome Paradox staff has helped us find #1 back issues that have been decades old and still in mint condition. Shazam! The marvelous staff has stocked the shelves with the newest figures, nostalgic figures and also some jaw dropping collectible figures. Hulk Smash! Monstrous prices during their yearly anniversary sale! Great Hera! Paradox welcomes all, children, boys and girls, adults, collectors, nerds, fans and newbies. Up, up and away! Paradox staff steps up in cosplay during the free comic book day (1st Saturday of May) and entertains the kids and fans standing on line. We have brought our nephews and nieces and they loved taking pictures with the staff in costume. Merciful Minerva! Something for everyone from, DC, Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek to Aliens and Anime! Titans Go! If you are lookin for comics, figures, gifts or browsing. You will not be disappointed. #thankyouthursday2021

Paradox Comics is a small shop that gets a lot done. It shares a storefront with a restaurant and…read moremetered parking is available on the street. Interior is not large, but they use the available space well. Paradox has a wall of new pull books and many shortboxes of back issues. Above these shortboxes are a fair selection of toys and collectables. Behind the counter are Pop Vinyl's, variant comic covers, and wall books. They also sell some sports cards and collectable card games. Employee was helpful and knowledgeable. This is a good small shop that has just about everything you would want out of a local comic shop.

found this place randomly through yelp. they have a huge selection that took me a while to go…read morethrough. it was cool to see funkos in person because ordering online is always a risk with condition and shipping. i was able to get cash/store credit for funkos that i brought in. they gave about $2 for commons. the lady rachel was super nice and helpful and i cannot wait to come back even though i live 30 min away, in nj u dont find many funko independent stores.

Wize Guys Collectibles is primarily a Pop Vinyl shop. Parking is a little challenging, it's on the…read morestreet in a residential neighborhood. Pop Vinyls are stacked floor to ceiling with a good selection. Biggest complaint I had was some of the older pops had boxes that could have been in better condition for the price. Huge selection of signed Pop Vinyls, many kept behind glass. Prices on new limited releases were what I would expect for a retail shop. They also had a small selection of other collectables and a few comic long boxes. Overall, if you a Pop Vinyl fan, Wize Guys Collectibles is 100% worth a stop.

Tuesday night, I stopped into the Verona Amazing Savings. I was searching for shrink…read morewrap/cellophane and bows for assembling a holiday gift basket. I've been to the East Hanover location, which is the store I usually go to, but this was my first time at the Verona location. This store is organized and well stocked. I had a few options in the gift wrapping aisle, and the prices were very good. The woman who rang me up at the register was nice also, and answered my question about their return policy (refund up to 15 days with receipt; store credit after 15 days).

This spot has a little of everything from glassware to toys, to home decor things. The place is…read morewell stocked. Though I didn't find anything here that I needed, it was a cool quick 10 minute stroll to see the place.

We've spent well over $1000 at this place over the last few years. They don't have anything I…read morecouldn't get online, but we love to support local businesses. It's cute in there and the quality of product is great. Today, I was there with my potty-training 3 year old and 6 year old, shopping for a couple of birthday presents. The 3 year old needed to potty. The employees told us that they didn't have a bathroom. I said, "I come here all the time. I know you have a bathroom. I've used it." They unapologetically stated that the owner told them no bathroom use for customers. I was confused. They were matter-of-fact and insistent that this is the policy of the owner. I said, "This is a shop for little kids. You don't let kids use the bathroom?" They insisted no- that it was the policy of the owner. If this is true (I can't image they were lying to me), I just can't support the place. My three year old peed her pants while we were still in there. I spent the last $130 I will ever spend at Toy Division. Now I'll make the drive to Montclair to shop local for kids toys.

Short version: I haven't visited the store yet myself, but their customer service is incredible…read more Long version: I recently received a beautiful gift from Toy Division, and when I fully unboxed up the item later I saw that it was unfortunately damaged to the point that I couldn't have used it. (To be clear - it was not Toy Division's fault at all, definitely an issue with the item manufacturer, and it would not have been visible until you removed the item from its packaging.) I didn't want to bother the gift giver with it so I figured I would check with Toy Division just in case they could help, but honestly I'd already mentally chalked it up to an unfixable bummer and was prepared to move on. To my surprise I got an email response within a few hours, and after a brief and very helpful email exchange with Indira, I had a brand-new replacement item coming my way directly from the manufacturer! I'm so, so happy that I'll be able to use this lovely present, and I'm equally thrilled with the friendliness, speed, and effectiveness of the Toy Division team. Thank you so much Indira for turning a bummer of a situation into a delightful one!